Needle Safety Device With Deflectable Jaw For Variable Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing needle safety devices are not adaptable to needles of different thicknesses and often require complex designs that increase manufacturing costs, while ensuring reliable safety functionality.
Innovation Solution
A needle safety device with a base portion and opposing jaws, where the second jaw is formed from a separate structural member with spring-like properties, allowing for adjustable diameter to fit various needle sizes, and featuring a deflectable portion that snaps to guard the needle tip, combined with an elastic element for reliable operation and cost-effective manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the needle safety device uses a fixed jaw structure, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the device cannot adapt to needles of different thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The second jaw is designed as a deflectable component that can dynamically adjust its position to accommodate needles of different thicknesses. The jaw includes a deflectable portion that bends in response to needle insertion, allowing the device to adapt to varying needle dimensions without requiring multiple fixed jaw configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes material elasticity to change the physical state of the second jaw from a rigid structure to a flexible one during operation. The jaw transitions from a fixed position to a deflected position based on the needle's thickness, enabling adaptation to different needle sizes through material property changes rather than complex mechanical adjustments.
2Reliability
If the needle safety device uses complex design features to ensure safety functionality, then the safety performance is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second jaw is divided into distinct functional sections: a rigid first section for structural support and a deflectable second section for safety engagement. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently - the first section can be manufactured simply as a structural element, while the second section provides the necessary safety function through its deflectable properties, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflectable second jaw automatically engages with the needle tip through its own elastic deformation, eliminating the need for additional actuators, sensors, or control mechanisms. The jaw self-adjusts and self-locks in response to the needle's presence, providing reliable safety functionality through passive elastic behavior rather than active controlled systems.
3Reliability
If the second jaw is made as a single rigid piece, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the device cannot reliably guard needles of different thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The second jaw incorporates a deflectable portion that dynamically responds to needle insertion by bending to match the needle's thickness. This dynamic adaptation ensures reliable engagement with needles of varying sizes while maintaining a relatively simple single-piece construction that avoids complex assembly requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device ensures reliable safety for medical professionals by adapting to different needle thicknesses, maintaining functionality over time, and reducing manufacturing costs through a simple design, while preventing needle protrusion and ensuring secure locking within medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
the second jaw is formed from a strip of sheet metal having spring-like properties
Implementation Method 2
the second jaw is formed from a strip of sheet metal having spring-like properties
Implementation Method 3
an elastic element may be provided which exerts a restoring force on the second jaw
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(c)
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
The invention relates to a needle safety device for a medical device, the needle safety device comprising: a base portion having a bore extending in an axial direction therethrough for receiving a needle; and first and second opposing jaws extending from the base portion generally in the axial direction, wherein at least a portion of the second jaw is formed from a separate structural member connected to the base portion, wherein said portion of the second jaw is deflectable with respect to the first jaw in order to allow a needle received in the bore of the base portion to extend all the way through the needle safety device.